Audible operator feedback for riding lawn mower applications

ABSTRACT

A lawn vehicle network including a lawn vehicle including a movement mechanism and at least one rotatable blade, a circuit capable of residing on the lawn vehicle, a sensor associated with the lawn vehicle and capable of sensing at least one characteristic of the lawn vehicle, a data packet representative of the at least one characteristic of the lawn vehicle, a transmitter connected to the circuit and to a computing device, the transmitter capable of transmitting the data packet to the computing device, the computing device connected to a speaker, the speaker capable of outputting an audible command representing the at least one characteristic of the lawn vehicle.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/744,003, filed on Oct. 10, 2018, which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to transmitting lawn vehicle information to avehicle operator.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Modern lawn vehicles incorporate electrical components that communicatewith one another and monitor different vehicle conditions, such as thestatus of engine start interlocks, engine temperature or fuel level. Acomputer can manage the interpretation and transmission of the datarepresentative of those vehicle conditions. Because a lawn vehicleoperator can use many of these data, modern lawn vehicles will benefitfrom communicating those data in ways that reduce operator distractionwhile keeping the operator apprised of relevant vehicle conditions. Anaudible feedback system presents an opportunity to reduce suchdistraction while keeping the operator informed.

The Detailed Description, below, and its accompanying drawings, willprovide a better understanding of the invention and set forthembodiments that indicate some of the ways to employ the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary lawn vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exemplary audible feedback system for avehicle drive and control system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This description describes one or more embodiments and should not limitthe invention to those embodiments. The description explains principlesof the invention to enable one of ordinary skill in the art tounderstand and apply the principles to practice both the describedembodiments and other embodiments that may come to mind. The invention'sscope should cover all embodiments that might fall within the scope ofthe claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

A. Introduction and Summary

The embodiments of an audible feedback system in this application useaudible messages or tones to inform operator 169 of conditions relatedto lawn vehicle 190. Referring to FIGS. 1-2 , an exemplary zero-turnlawn vehicle utilizing such an audible feedback system includes aController Area Network, or CAN-Bus 160, on which different sensors andfunctional modules continually deposit data that reflect conditions oflawn vehicle 190. Commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 10,058,031 (the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference) discloses anexemplary CAN-Bus of the type represented here.

Referring to FIG. 2 , exemplary vehicle drive and control system 150includes, in part, sensors 161 a-161 d directly connected to VehicleIntegration Module (VIM) 161, and an Inertial Measurement Unit module165 (IMU) communicating with VIM 161 by means of CAN-Bus 160. VIM 161can be thought of as a vehicle controller that monitors vehicle andsafety interlock status via (i) messages received on CAN-Bus 160, and(ii) inputs from various sensors, switches, relays and meters, bothanalog and digital, directly connected to the I/O bus of VIM 161.Additional components of vehicle drive and control system 150 includethe drive system 153 subject to control, a battery 175 to power CAN-Bus160 by way of VIM 161 when key switch 162 is rotated to the “On/Run”position, and a steering and drive input system 151 configured to placethe speed, acceleration and direction inputs of an operator 169 ontoCAN-Bus 160. Exemplary audible feedback system 149 includes a BluetoothLow Energy Module (BLEM) 174 connected to CAN-Bus 160, aBluetooth-capable computing device 174, and also speakers 172 andheadphones 173, which can be utilized separately or in combination.

VIM 161 and IMU 165 intake and generate data related to lawn vehicle190, which CAN-Bus 160 receives and Bluetooth Low Energy Module (BLEM)164 transmits to computing device 174, in whole or in part. Computingdevice 174, which connects to speaker(s) 172 and headphones 173 viahardwire or Bluetooth, then processes those data, for example through amobile application, and presents audible messages or tones to operator169, keeping that operator apprised of the lawn mower's operatingconditions while minimizing the distractions that reading messages onthe screen of computing device 174 might cause.

B. Vehicle Overview

FIG. 1 shows exemplary lawn vehicle 190, which is, in this embodiment, azero-turn lawn mower. Despite this zero-turn lawn mower disclosure, theaudible feedback system disclosed in this application can informoperators of lawn tractors, walk-behind lawn mowers, and stand-on lawnmowers, among other lawn vehicles, about relevant vehicle conditions.This section will discuss the layout of lawn vehicle 190, as situatedacross lawn vehicle frame 192 in FIG. 1 .

Lawn vehicle 190 includes prime mover 191, which can be an internalcombustion engine (or an electric motor, in another vehicle embodiment,not shown). Prime mover 191 powers (i) hydrostatic transaxles 194L and194R via belt and pulley system 197 a, and (ii) blades 198 a of mowingdeck 198 via belt and pulley system 197 b. Both of these respective“drive systems” are subject to the control logic distributed between VIM161, the motor controllers (not shown) of electric actuators 130L and130R, and various system modules. Transaxles 194L and 194R can resemblethose disclosed in the commonly-owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,152,247 and7,134,276, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties. Prime mover 191 powers transaxles 194L and 194R and,accordingly, their respective output shafts or axles 179 to rotatewheels 193 and propel lawn vehicle 190. The transaxles includecorresponding brakes 132L and 132R, which operator 169 can engage anddisengage by means of a brake lever (not shown) adjacent operator seat170. A brake sensor 161 a communicates the status of the brake lever viadirect connection to VIM 161. Brakes 132L and 132R may function like theexemplary parking brake disclosed in the commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No.6,152,247, mentioned above. Fuel tank 196 stores and supplies liquidfuel for prime mover 191; although, if vehicle 190 uses an electricmotor (not shown) as a prime mover 191, a battery power source canreplace fuel tank 196.

Lawn vehicle 190 also includes control levers 183L and 183R, themovement of which enables operator 169 to control transaxles 194L and194R. That is, control lever 183L (or 183R) cooperates with a positionsensor (or potentiometer) of speed control mechanism 184L (or 184R) toplace vehicle movement commands on CAN-Bus 160 for processing by VIM 161in conjunction with various vehicle state messages, resulting intransmission of command messages from VIM 161 directed to the motorcontroller (not shown) of electric actuator 130L (or 130R).Consequently, movement of control lever 183L (or 183R) corresponds to anadjustment of electric actuator 130L (or 130R) to modify the rotationalspeed and direction of output shafts 179. This enables lawn vehicle 190to move in forward and reverse, and to execute turns. The commonly-ownedU.S. Pat. No. 9,765,870, which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety, discloses control levers substantially similar toexemplary control levers 183L and 183R. Further, other user inputdevices can receive an operator's movement commands to control lawnvehicle 190, such as a CAN-enabled steering wheel, foot pedals, orjoystick placed in communication with VIM 161. Such devices, along withcontrol levers 183L and 183R, and speed control mechanisms 184L and184R, are exemplary components of steering and drive input system 151.

CAN-Bus 160 facilitates the flow of messages and commands related tooperator control inputs and vehicle conditions. CAN-Bus 160 connectsvarious vehicle components so those components can interact with oneanother. CAN-Bus 160 connects to VIM 161, which being capable ofreceiving and interpreting both digital and analog signals, collects andprocesses data from various components and transmits resultant data overCAN-Bus 160. Correspondingly, BLEM 164 can transmit CAN-Bus data tocomputing device 174, which can then process those data and presentoutput to operator 169 via one or more Bluetooth-capable devices. Forpurposes of this disclosure, all connections, communications, andconjoining, among similar features, contemplate wired and wirelesscommunication, direct and indirect connections, and multidirectionalpower and data transfer, unless otherwise stated.

Operator 169 sits in operator seat 170 within reach of control levers183L and 183R and also control panel 171. Key switch 162, which permitsbattery 175 to power VIM 161 in the “On/Run” position and furtherinitiates the ignition of prime mover 191 in a momentary “Start”position, can be situated on control panel 171. Other devices, such asspeakers 172L and 172R, headphones 173, and computing device 174, aresituated within earshot or sight of operator 169, keeping operator 169apprised of conditions and data related to lawn vehicle 190. Forexample, computing device 174 may be located, either removably orpermanently, on control panel 171.

Battery 175 can power the various drive and control system componentseither directly, through key switch 162 or through VIM 161.

C. Audible Feedback System

FIG. 2 shows the components of exemplary audible feedback system 149 forlawn vehicle 190: BLEM 164, one or more speakers 172, headphones 173,and computing device 174. The following paragraphs describe thesecomponents and the audible feedback process.

1. System Overview

FIG. 2 illustrates the connection between exemplary audible feedbacksystem 149 and vehicle drive and control system 150 via CAN-Bus 160.Vehicle drive and control system 150 includes VIM 161, whichcommunicates with vehicle sensors, switches, relays, and meters (analogor digital). Although not shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 , VIM 161 mayinclude a microprocessor, a memory, and a CAN-Bus interface tocommunicate with CAN-Bus 160. As such, VIM 161 can monitor, receive, andinterpret steering commands, engine characteristics, and environmentalfeatures (e.g. terrain slope), among other data, from the messages thatreside on CAN-Bus 160. In practice, VIM 161 receives command signals,processes those signals within 5 ms, and transmits the subsequent data,so those data are not more than 5 ms old when BLEM 164 transmits thedata to computing device 174.

BLEM 164 is configured to transmit data to a Bluetooth-compatibleexternal device, such as computing device 174. In the alternative,however, a near-field communications module, a Wi-Fi router, a cellulartransceiver, or a satellite transceiver can transmit data from CAN-Bus160 to any compatible computer, tablet, communications device, or webserver. Accordingly, other wireless connection types are contemplatedherein, utilizing by way of example only various frequencies, such asunlicensed bands, and protocols, such as Z-wave, ZigBee and AppleCommunications.

BLEM 164 is configured to facilitate the sharing of data residing onCAN-Bus 160 with outside devices which in turn deliver messages derivedfrom those data in format(s) operator 169 can hear and understand.Computing device 174 can include handheld or worn devices such assmartphones, smart watches, and tablets. A mobile application containingthe necessary programming to convert the myriad CAN frames on CAN-Bus160 to intelligible, audible operator messaging can be uploaded to thesedevices. A mobile application permits the easy push of upgrades tousers. As previously explained, computing device 174 can also beincorporated into, or be removably carried on, lawn vehicle 190. In thealternative, BLEM 164 may be upgraded to contain the processing andprogramming necessary to produce audible operator messaging which may bedirectly transmitted to headphones 173 for example.

Computing device 174 includes a processor to process the data that BLEM164 transmits from CAN-Bus 160, and a screen to display systeminformation from CAN-Bus 160 to operator 169. Computing device 174 canalso include memory and appropriate input or output devices forcommunicating data with CAN-Bus 160 or other external devices, such asspeakers 172, headphones 173, or a separate server that might collectdata relating to conditions of multiple lawn vehicles. Computing device174 may also be utilized to configure BLEM 164 to transmit only select,relevant data from CAN-Bus 160.

2. Vehicle Data Collection

As mentioned above, CAN-Bus 160 and VIM 161 accommodate vehicle sensors,switches, relays, and meters. These components can provide CAN-Bus 160with data from all over lawn vehicle 190. FIG. 2 shows examples of thekinds of components that provide data to CAN-Bus 160, although these areonly exemplary: brake sensor 161 a, engine sensor 161 b, fuel sensor 161c, seat sensor 161 d, and IMU 165, which operates, essentially, as anattitude sensor. In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2 , digitalcomponents can connect directly to CAN-Bus 160 or connect to CAN-Bus 160via VIM 161, while analog components connect to CAN-Bus 160 via VIM 161,although alternative arrangements can permit different connectivecapabilities. FIG. 2 shows sensors 161 a-161 d connected to CAN-Bus 160via VIM 161, while IMU 165 connects directly to CAN-Bus 160.

These five sensors, their descriptions and arrangements as disclosed inthis application, are exemplary and can operate together, individually,or in various combinations over CAN-Bus 160. In FIG. 2 , althoughsensors 161 a-161 d connect to CAN-Bus 160 via VIM 161, being typicallyanalog sensors, and IMU 165 connects directly to CAN-Bus 160,CAN-capable versions of sensors 161 a-161 d and others can connectdirectly to CAN-Bus 160, and IMU 165 can connect to VIM 161. Indeed, anycombination of sensors can connect to CAN-Bus 160 or VIM 161 or both.Moreover, as an alternative arrangement, lawn vehicle 190 canaccommodate different sensors without CAN-Bus 160. That is, one or moresensors can each directly connect to BLEM 164 so BLEM 164 can transmitrelevant data to one or more external devices. Finally, although notshown in FIG. 2 , lawn vehicle 190 can incorporate alternative andadditional known sensors such as, for example, temperature sensors forelectric actuators 130L and 130R.

Brake sensor 161 a can sense, for example, whether brakes 132L and 132Rare engaged or not. In the present embodiment, if brake sensor 161 asenses brake engagement, a programmed interlock will prevent electronicactuators 130L and 130R from moving hydrostatic transaxles 194L and 194Rout of neutral, so that movement of control levers 183L and 183R and thecorresponding transmission of movement commands by speed controlmechanisms 184L and 184R will not result in movement of lawn vehicle190. In the case of hydrostatic transaxles 194L and 194R, this canprevent damage to a typical motor cylinder block brake. Brake sensor 161a can comprise, for example, a known linear position sensor thatincludes a plurality of Hall Effect transducers to detect thepositioning of a brake lever adjacent operator seat 170.

An engaged signal from brake sensor 161 a is also utilized by aprogrammed interlock associated with the start sequence for prime mover191. Brakes 132L and 132R must be engaged along with neutral switches orsensors indicating a neutral position for control levers 183L and 183R,a PTO switch or sensor (not shown) indicating disengagement, electricactuator position sensors (not shown) indicating a neutral position, andseat sensor 161 d indicating the presence of operator 169 before primemover 191 can be started.

Engine (or the like) sensor 161 b can sense, in real-time, variousengine, motor, or transmission parameters such as, for example, engineRPM (or electric motor RPM), oil pressure, or coolant temperature.Engine sensor 161 b can comprise any known and compatible J1939 electricsensor that provides data from locations on or within prime mover 191and hydrostatic transaxles 194L and 194R. In a similar vein, fuel sensor161 c senses whether the fuel level has dipped below a cautionarythreshold to avoid operating lawn mower 190 to the point of running outof fuel. Fuel sensor 161 c can comprise any known and compatible J1939fuel level converter that interacts with a physical liquid fuel sensorto convert analog fuel level information into digital J1939 CAN-Busdata.

Seat sensor 161 d can sense, for example, whether operator 169 is seatedin the seat, to prevent the operator either from starting lawn vehicle190 when no one is in the seat, or to stop the engine or motor whenoperator 169 leaves the seat. Seat sensor 161 d can comprise a loadsensor that senses whether an electric switch on the load sensor is open(generating a low voltage signal) or closed (generating a high voltagesignal).

IMU 165 senses attitude: roll, pitch, and yaw of lawn vehicle 190. IMU165 can include, for example, a multi-axis (3-axis, for example)magnetometer, accelerometer, and gyroscope, a microprocessor, and a CANinterface for communicating data over CAN-Bus 160. The microprocessorcan fuse the output of the multi-axis magnetometer, multi-axisaccelerometer, and multi-axis gyroscope so IMU 165 can conduct 9-axismotion processing, including 3-axis accelerometer processing, 3-axisgyroscope processing, and 3-axis magnetometer processing to informoperator 169 of vehicle levelness or movement irregularities. VIM 161monitors such data and may adjust vehicle speed or even direction in theevent a roll angle or pitch angle of a threshold number of degrees isreached.

3. Audible Feedback System in Action

The following paragraphs represent a simplified, exemplary descriptionof one process relevant to this application. The paragraphs belowdescribe how audible feedback system 149 informs operator 169 about theengagement of brakes 132L and 132R when operator 169 tries to movecontrol levers 183L and 183R forward.

First, during the “sensing” phase, at an exemplary moment, operator 169sits in operator seat 170 with lawn vehicle 190 turned on, butstationary, with each of control levers 183L and 183R in the neutralposition. Both brakes 132L and 132R are engaged, which creates a “CANframe” (a data packet representing a (1) state, mode, orientation, orcondition of lawn vehicle 190 or (2) characteristic of the environmentsurrounding lawn vehicle 190) along CAN-Bus 160 representing brakeengagement, which may interact with various programmed interlocks toprevent a reaction to forward control lever movement. Further, whenoperator 169 starts to move control levers 183L and 183R forward, theattempted movement creates a different set of CAN frame along CAN-Bus160 generated by speed control mechanisms 184L and 184R that representdual control lever movement. In other words, for purposes of thisexample, and for ease of identification, a “Brake CAN Frame,” a “ForwardLeft Lever CAN Frame” and a “Forward Right Lever CAN Frame” aregenerated at this exemplary instant.

This example's discussion of only these three CAN frames is purelyexemplary and meant for ease of understanding. In practice, CAN-Bus 160can simultaneously accommodate numerous CAN frames from various sensorsand components placed throughout lawn vehicle 190, and VIM 161 and/orthe controllers (not shown) of electric actuators 130L and 130R canprocess and react to numerous CAN frames. The same can be said forcomputing device 174.

Second, at the “transmission” phase, the Brake CAN Frame and each of theForward Lever CAN Frames mentioned above, among other data, reside onCAN-Bus 160. BLEM 164 transmits these three CAN frames to computingdevice 174 along with other vehicle system state data. The connectionbetween BLEM 164 and computing device 174 comprises a generic Bluetoothprofile, although CAN-Bus 160 can transmit data via alternative wirelessor wired connections to any external, compatible computing device.

Third, in the “computing” phase, computing device 174 processes theBrake CAN Frame and each of the Forward Lever CAN Frames, among otherdata, given that CAN-Bus 160 accommodates, and BLEM 164 continuallytransmits, data related to various other conditions of lawn vehicle 190.In practice, computing device 174 continuously receives and processesCAN-Bus data from BLEM 164, so computing device 174 can present thosedata to operator 169 in an understandable format. That is, computingdevice 174 makes sense of these numerous data, identifyingidiosyncrasies and patterns for operator 169. For example, computingdevice 174 will process the combination of the Brake CAN Frame and eachof the Forward Lever CAN Frames, which represent the brakes' engagementdespite the operator's effort to move both levers forward, and determinethat these simultaneous conditions mean operator 169 should receivefeedback. Computing device 174 generates the message operator 169 needsto follow, in this exemplary instance, indicating operator 169 cannotmove vehicle 190 until he or she disengages brakes 132L and 132R.

Fourth, in the “delivery” phase, computing device 174 presents theprocessed data in at least one of several formats. Although computingdevice 174 can inform operator 169 about the Brake CAN Frame and each ofthe Forward Lever CAN Frames visually, using a screen, computing device174 can also connect to speaker 172 or headphones 173 or both to provideoperator 169 with audible feedback. Continuing with the same example,the generation of the Brake CAN Frame and the Forward Lever CAN Framesalong CAN-Bus 160 results (after transmission to computing device 174)in the presentation of a visual message on computing device 174displaying “Brakes Engaged. Release Brakes to Proceed.” Further, speaker172 or headphones 173 or both can play a voice command of thisstatement, which can help operator 169 avoid looking at computing device174. The voice command may be generated by text-to speech functionalityof the mobile operating system resident on computing device 174 orpre-recorded spoken messages. In a simpler version, an audible tone mayadvise the operator to check the display screen of computing device 174to resolve his forward movement issue. The tone may be generated by anoperating system's incorporated alert sounds, pre-recorded tones, orgenerated tones.

In reference to the vehicle start sequence, exemplary troubleshootingvoice commands may include the following:

a. “Brake Required to Start”

b. “Lap Bar Must Be in Neutral to Start”

c. “Operator Must Be Present to Start”

d. “PTO Must Be Off to Start”

e. “Electric Actuators Must Be in Neutral to Start.”

In reference to processing IMU data, computing device 174 may generate,for example, the following voice commands:

a. “Warning Excessive Roll Angle”

b. “Warning Excessive Pitch Angle”

c. “Warning, Excessive Roll, 21 Degrees,” where specific data isincorporated.

The prior examples are but a few of the vehicle state audible feedbackmessages that may be delivered to an operator by the audible feedbacksystem 149, depending on the sensor and component package provided on avehicle. Engine management warnings, low fuel warnings, maintenanceadvisements, advanced control feature engagement or disablement, such as“Dynamic Stability Assist Engaged,” are also within the scope of thepresent invention.

Headphones 173 can combine sound-delivery features with noise protectionfeatures, such as a hardened-plastic, earmuff structure, andsound-insulating foam to dampen external machinery noise. Noiseprotection earmuffs typically use the sound-insulating foam to pressagainst the sides of the user's head, around the ears, to encapsulate,or substantially encapsulate, the entire ear. Regardless, through eitherspeaker 172 or headphones 173, the voice command is loud enough to alertoperator 169 and overcome surrounding noise. As such, audible feedbacksystem 149 provides operator 169 with an alternative medium thatimproves safety of operator 169 and surrounding people and property.

While this Detailed Description expounds upon specific embodiments ofthe invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one couldmodify or adapt those embodiments based on the teachings of the DetailedDescription. Accordingly, the disclosed arrangements are merelyillustrative and should not limit the invention's scope.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An audible feedback system comprising: alawn vehicle comprising: a CAN-Bus; one or more sensors configured todetect a state of a vehicle component; a wireless transmittercommunicatively connected to the CAN-Bus, wherein the wirelesstransmitter is configured to receive the state of the vehicle componentvia the CAN-Bus and wirelessly transmit the state; a wireless-enabledcomputing device configured to: wirelessly receive the state from thewireless transmitter; and generate and transmit a command signalindicative of the state of the vehicle component; and a speakerconfigured to: receive the command signal from the wireless-enabledcomputing device; and broadcast an audible command based on the commandsignal and indicative of the state of the vehicle component.
 2. Theaudible feedback system of claim 1, wherein the speaker is a set ofwireless headphones that is in wireless communication with thewireless-enabled computing device.
 3. The audible feedback system ofclaim 1, wherein the speaker is hardwired to the wireless-enabledcomputing device.
 4. The audible feedback system of claim 1, wherein thewireless-enabled computing device is selected from the group consistingof a smartphone, a smart watch, a tablet, and a laptop.
 5. The audiblefeedback system of claim 1, wherein the wireless transmitter is selectedfrom the group consisting of a Bluetooth Low Energy Module, a Near-fieldcommunications module, a Wi-Fi router, a cellular transceiver, and asatellite transceiver.
 6. The audible feedback system of claim 1,wherein the audible command broadcasted by the speaker includes at leastone of a voice command or an audible tone.
 7. The audible feedbacksystem of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors includes an IMUconfigured to detect a pitch angle and a roll angle of the lawn vehicle.8. The audible feedback system of claim 7, wherein the audible commandbroadcasted by the speaker identifies at least one of an excess rollangle or an excess pitch angle.
 9. The audible feedback system of claim1, wherein the audible command broadcasted by the speaker is indicativeof vehicle and safety interlock status.
 10. The audible feedback systemof claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors includes a brake sensor, andwherein, upon detection that a brake of the lawn vehicle is not engagedwhen a start sequence has been attempted, the audible command broadcastby the speaker includes a message indicating that the brake is requiredto start.
 11. The audible feedback system of claim 1, wherein the one ormore sensors includes a lap bar sensor and the vehicle componentincludes a lap bar, and wherein, upon detection that the lap bar is outof neutral when a start sequence has been attempted, the audible commandbroadcast by the speaker includes a message indicating that the lap barmust be in neutral to start.
 12. The audible feedback system of claim 1,wherein the one or more sensors includes a seat sensor, and wherein,upon detection that an operator is not present when a start sequence hasbeen attempted, the audible command broadcast by the speaker includes amessage indicating that the operator must be present to start.
 13. Theaudible feedback system of claim 1, wherein, upon detection that a powertake-off is on when a start sequence has been attempted, the audiblecommand broadcast by the speaker includes a message indicating that thepower take-off must be off to start.
 14. The audible feedback system ofclaim 1, wherein the vehicle component includes an electric actuator,and wherein, upon detection that the electric actuator is out of neutralwhen a start sequence has been attempted, the audible command broadcastby the speaker includes a message indicating that the electric actuatormust be in neutral to start.
 15. A lawn vehicle network for a lawnvehicle that includes a prime mover and at least one rotatable blade,the lawn vehicle network comprising: a sensor configured to detect astate of a vehicle component of the lawn vehicle; a wireless transmitterconfigured to: receive the state of the vehicle component from thesensor; generate a command signal indicative of the state of the vehiclecomponent; and wirelessly transmit the command signal to a mobiledevice; and a speaker configured to: receive the command signal from themobile device; and output an audible command based on the command signaland indicative of the state of the vehicle component of the lawnvehicle.
 16. The lawn vehicle network of claim 15, wherein the speakeris wirelessly and communicatively connected to the mobile device via awireless data connection.
 17. The lawn vehicle network of claim 16,wherein the wireless data connection is a Bluetooth connection.
 18. Thelawn vehicle network of claim 15, wherein the speaker comprises a pairof headphones.
 19. The lawn vehicle network of claim 15, wherein themobile device is a cellphone.
 20. The lawn vehicle network of claim 15,wherein the wireless transmitter is wirelessly and communicativelyconnected to the mobile device via a Bluetooth connection.
 21. The lawnvehicle network of claim 15, wherein the audible command includes avoice command.
 22. The lawn vehicle network of claim 15, wherein theaudible command includes a tone.
 23. A method for providing audiofeedback for operation of a lawn vehicle, the method comprising:detecting a state of a vehicle component via one or more sensors of thelawn vehicle; sending the state of the vehicle component to a wirelesstransmitter of the lawn vehicle via a CAN-Bus; wirelessly transmitting,via the wireless transmitter, the state of the vehicle component to amobile device; generating, via the mobile device, a command signalindicative of the state of the vehicle component; transmitting, via themobile device, the command signal to a speaker; and broadcasting, viathe speaker, an audible command based on the command signal andindicative of the state of the vehicle component.
 24. The method ofclaim 23, wherein transmitting the command signal to the speakerincludes wirelessly transmitting the command signal to the speaker. 25.The method of claim 24, wherein the state is wirelessly transmitted tothe mobile device and the command signal is wirelessly transmitted bythe mobile device via Bluetooth communication.
 26. The method of claim23, wherein broadcasting the audible command via the speaker includesbroadcasting a voice command upon detecting, via a brake sensor, that abrake is disengaged when a start sequence for the lawn vehicle has beenattempted, wherein the voice command instructs that the brake isrequired to start.
 27. The method of claim 23, wherein broadcasting theaudible command via the speaker includes broadcasting a voice commandupon detecting, via a lap bar sensor, that a lap bar is out of neutralwhen a start sequence for the lawn vehicle has been attempted, whereinthe voice command instructs that the lap bar must be in neutral tostart.
 28. The method of claim 23, wherein broadcasting the audiblecommand via the speaker includes broadcasting a voice command upondetecting, via a seat sensor, that an operator is not present when astart sequence has been attempted for the lawn vehicle, wherein thevoice command instructs that the operator must be present to start. 29.The method of claim 23, wherein broadcasting the audible command via thespeaker includes broadcasting a voice command upon detecting, via apower take-off sensor, that a power take-off of the lawn vehicle is onwhen a start sequence has been attempted, wherein the voice commandinstructs that the power take-off must be off to start.
 30. The methodof claim 23, wherein broadcasting the audible command via the speakerincludes broadcasting a voice command upon detecting, via an electricactuator position sensor, that an electric actuator is not in neutralwhen a start sequence has been attempted, wherein the voice commandinstructs that the electric actuator must be in neutral to start.